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Miami (MIA)

Flying Into Miami

If you're planning to stay in downtown Miami or South Beach, the most convenient airport to fly into is Miami International Airport (MIA), which is located a short 8-mile ride away from Miami's main attractions. Be prepared to ride monorails between terminals. There are multiple options for commuting to and from this airport all the way to South Beach, including the cheapest option - the 150 Airport Express bus, which runs every 30 minutes and is located across from Terminal E (arrivals). Taxis are also readily available.

Another option is the smaller Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) airport, located about an hour drive north of Miami; low-cost carrier like Southwest and JetBlue fly in and out of this airport. You might consider this option if you're able to score a great fare into FLL, but be sure to account for the longer (especially at rush hour), pricier taxi ride to Miami.

Getting Around Miami

Car rentals are conveniently available at the airport, but if you don't want to deal with the expensive and hard-to-come-by parking in South Beach and elsewhere in the city, there are many options to get around.

Metrobuses operate throughout Miami-Dade County, which will take you almost anywhere you want to go any day of the year – including the popular S Route that runs through South Beach. Prepare to have exact change for the $2+ fare which you pay to a machine as you get onto the bus.

Another option is the Metrorail, which runs north and south through the city across 22 stops. One rail line makes this easy to navigate, but operation stops at midnight – so don't rely on this for mode of transportation if your night extends into the morning hours. Unlike the Metrobus, you cannot pay cash here – pick up an Easy Card (which is a longer-term pre-paid system that deducts the fare from your total value) or the paper Easy Ticket (better for shorter visits); both can be purchased at any train station across Miami.

Things to Do in Miami

For those who just want to put their toes in the sand, there's no better place than Miami's South Beach. Known for colorful Art Deco architecture, vibrant restaurants and storefronts, and soak in the sun and surf on the expansive beach. When you're beached-out, there are rental bikes readily available to explore the waterfront via a path, with plenty of places to stop for a refreshing beverage along the way.

For those looking for something a little more indoors, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science offers an Aquarium, Planetarium and two wings of exhibits which will be enjoyed by children and adults.

Head to Little Havana, a neighborhood of Miami, rich in Latin-culture. You're likely to hit a festival which regularly take place on Fridays, but if not, there's plenty of vibrant street life, restaurants and music happening to keep you entertained. Grab a toasted Cuban Sandwich and Cuban Coffee from Versailles Restaurant.

Rent a car or take a tour to the Florida Keys – a string of tropical islands that will make you feel like it's 5-o-clock everywhere. Surrounded by turquoise water, the Keys are known for boating, fishing, and all manor of water sports. If you keep driving the one-road in, you'll eventually end Key West, home to the famous Duval Street. Grab a margarita (to-go!) and stroll to Mallory Square, for the nightly sunset celebration.

What to Know About Miami

Weather in Miami can be unpredictable, with sudden and violent rain storm that can last hours. But one thing you can count on: heat; Miami has the warmest winter temperatures in the mainland US, which range from 75-80 in during the high-season, December thru March. These comfortable temps make it the most popular time to visit Miami, so expect hotel and flight prices to reflect this. Summer's average low temp is 79F.

If you're hanging out in South Beach, prepare to empty your wallet; drinks can be $20+ a piece, and often it includes an 18% tip, so pay attention.

Make sure to look both ways before you cross the street; Miami drivers are aggressive, and known for not yielding to pedestrians.

Prepare to know a little Spanish – at least how to say hello, and order a coffee, as it is unofficially a bi-lingual city. It's also a city that likes to dress up – if you're planning on going to clubs and out to dinner, there can be dress codes, so pack accordingly.